Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

The Problem

Flabby skin on the belly is usually the result of weight-loss, yo-yo dieting or pregnancy. It might just be lax and wrinkled skin that has lost its elasticity, but in more extreme cases the muscles are stretched and there can be unattractive, overhanging folds of skin that won’t spring back into shape.

Pregnancy, weight loss and the natural ageing process can leave behind excess, sagging skin around the stomach(abdomen) area, which can’t be banished through exercise or non-invasive treatments. The solution is an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, which will give you a flatter, firmer abdomen.

We are proud to offer you a team of the most experienced Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons in the UK for our tummy tuck treatments including Mr. Davood Fallahdar, Mr Nick Percival, Mr Miles Berry, Mr. Navid Jallali and and Miss Sujatha Tadiparthi in London, Mr. Shivram Singh and Mr Maisam Faizal in Birmingham. Mr. Deemesh Oudit in Manchester, Mr. Vasu Karri in Leeds and Mr Alastair Lowrie in Glasgow.

What is an Abdominoplasty?

An abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to make the abdomen flatter and firmer. Excess fat and skin are removed from the abdomen area in order to tighten the muscles and tissues of the abdominal area.

There are two types of tummy tuck. The one you have will depend on how much skin and fat you have removed. Your surgeon will explain which type is most suitable for you.

Full abdominoplasty – required when patient has excessive fat deposit plus a drop in the underlying muscle and skin layer.

Modified (mini) abdominoplasty – required when a patient has good muscle tone, but there is too much skin and the stomach appears crinkly.

It is becoming more common that an abdominoplasty is combined with stomach liposuction to remove stubborn pockets of fat and leave you with a slimmer contour and there are a number of variations on the procedure which your surgeon will discuss with you during your consultation.

Before the liposuction procedure was invented, an abdominoplasty was the only procedure carried out to remove excess fat. Depending on the amount of excess skin and fat you have, VASER liposuction may be a more suitable, minimally invasive option for you. You may find that the results of liposuction are sufficient for your desired results. Our Doctors will always offer you the most suitable option for you and your body.

Tummy tucks should not be thought of as a substitute for weight loss or an exercise program. The procedure cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be treated.

Flabby skin on the belly is usually the result of weight-loss, yo-yo dieting or pregnancy. It might just be lax and wrinkled skin that has lost its elasticity, but in more extreme cases the muscles are stretched and there can be unattractive, overhanging folds of skin that won’t spring back into shape.

If you’ve worked hard in the gym and are leading a healthy lifestyle you will soon realize that you can’t shift these folds of stretched skin through diet and exercise alone. For many, swimwear or fitted clothes just aren’t an option and if you feel self-conscious about the appearance of your tummy it can really affect your body confidence.

Our Team

The Private Clinic has only the most experienced Surgeons, Doctors and Nurses in their respective fields, so you can be confident you are in safe hands.

Tummy Tuck Surgery Procedure

Depending on how much fat and skin require removing, and the type of abdominal reduction being carried out, the operation may take up to three hours under general anaesthetic.

The procedure starts with an incision across the base of the abdomen, from hip to hip, that generally follows the pubic lining (bikini line for women). Incisions for a mini tummy tuck can be significantly smaller. Your surgeon may also make a second cut to remove your belly button from the surrounding skin.

The stretched or torn muscles will then be pulled together and stitched in place. Excess fat will also be removed, pulled down, and stitched into place. Once all your excess skin is removed, your belly button is then repositioned correctly.

Once the skin and fat removals are completed, all incisions are stitched and your lower abdomen is strapped with bandages.

With a modified, or mini, tummy tuck, you may only have an incision below your abdomen.

The Results

Whatever your motivation, having a tummy tuck will give you a flatter tummy, by removing the loose skin, that is more proportionate with your body shape. The changes will last as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and weight after your surgery.

Within a week or two of your procedure, swelling will begin to reduce and you should be able to stand tall fully upright.

It may take up to six months for your abdominal area to settle completely so that you can see the full results of your abdominoplasty – shorter for a modified tummy tuck.

Recovery / Downtime

Typically you’ll require a two-day stay in hospital, after which you will be discharged with an abdominal support garment that must be worn constantly for the first 2 weeks, and only during the day for a further month. You will also be prescribed a course of antibiotics, which must be taken.

We recommend that you book two to three weeks off work and avoid strenuous exercise for at least six weeks.

Why choose The Private Clinic

With nearly 30 years experience in helping men and women get back their body confidence, The Private Clinic prides itself on setting the highest industry standards and working with the most capable and experienced surgeons. From our relaxed, sympathetic and informative consultations to the very best aftercare, you’ll be given first-class treatment every step of the way.

The average price for a mini-tummy tuck is £4,700. If you require a more complex procedure, or full tummy tuck, the price will be higher – approximately £7,900. You will be given an accurate quote for your procedure following your consultation.

We offer FREE consultations with our highly experienced Patient Advisors who are able to offer you all the information your require prior to meeting a surgeon. A consultation with one of our Consultant Plastic Surgeons is £50. Please note that consultations at our Harley Street clinic are with the Surgeons.

“Absolutely delighted with the results. The surgery was nice and easy. I always received good advice and guidance from the doctor and nurses. I was looked after so well during my recovery period. I love my new shape and couldn’t be happier. Only regret that I didn’t do it earlier. Thanks a lot!“ *

I.P., London - April 2015

Showing 0 of 0

All images, videos and testimonials are based on the personal experiences of our patients and represent individual body shapes and results. Please bear in mind that results may vary from person to person. All testimonies are provided voluntarily by our patients and clients. Their comments have not been altered in any way, and their experiences are their own.

FAQs

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure typically lasts between 2-4 hours in a hospital.

Does the procedure require general anaesthetic?

Depending on each patient, some procedures require general anaesthetic but others can be performed under local anaesthetic with sedation.

What happens during the procedure?

Having had your incision lines marked, you will be sedated and for the next 2-4 hours, depending on the complexity, you will undergo a tummy tuck. Please see the main page for details.

The procedure involves an incision being made along the lower abdomen (further incisions may be needed). Then skin is carefully separated, allowing the excess tissue and skin to be removed and the remaining skin and tissue to be repositioned or reshaped. Finally the skin is firmly pulled across the abdomen area and sutured up.

If you are having liposuction as part of the process, excess fat will be extracted along with the removal of excess skin and tissue.

What happens after the procedure?

Temporary drainage tubes can sometimes be used for fluid drainage, if required. Surgical gauze and compression garments will be used to wrap around the treated area to aid the body’s recovery process.

Will I feel any pain?

You will not feel any discomfort before or during the procedure but after the procedure you are likely to experience moderate discomfort. Painkillers and sedatives are prescribed for patients and a full resting period is necessary in order to help your body adjust. Considering the results, most patients report the procedure’s downtime was worth it.

How much time off work will I need?

You will need to take between 1-3 weeks off work, depending on your job. After a surgical procedure you need to care for your body and grant it the full rest it deserves. Naturally, the recovery process varies considerably between patients so you may find you will be able to do some very light work from home sooner than you thought. Following the aftercare schedule we provide will help you heal quickly and effectively so make sure you adhere to the care plan.

What is the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction?

Abdominoplasty involves the removal of excess, sagging skin and some of the connective tissue surrounding it and will not result in demonstrable fat removal. People who have lost a lot of weight quickly or had babies and have excess skin are typically ideal candidates for the procedure.

Instead people looking for fat removal will be suitable for liposuction. As the skin may struggle to tighten, a tummy tuck can be used to help improve the result of the fat removal. A consultation will help you to understand what procedure or procedures your body may need.

Can men have tummy tucks?

Tummy tucks are not gender specific so men can definitely get tummy tucks. The abdomen is a problem area for men and women alike, with different factors affecting the area. The ageing process affects the elasticity and integrity of the skin, whilst weight loss leaves the body unable to naturally tighten the skin effectively – both problems that affect men.

Is there any scarring involved?

Invasive surgery of any kind will leave some form of scarring but our surgeons are specialised and able to minimise scarring as much as possible, as well as hiding the scars below the underwear/bikini line. Fortunately the scarring will be in a place that isn’t commonly visible most of the time. Advice will be given to treat scarring post-procedure and further treatments are available at The Private Clinic if you need further help with treating your scarring.

Working with only the very best surgeons ensures that we can produce the results you want safely. We’re proud to have some of the UK’s most respected doctors as part of our Tummy Tuck team, including:

All images, videos and testimonials are based on the personal experiences of our patients and represent individual body shapes and results. Results may vary from person to person. All testimonials are provided voluntarily by our patients and clients and all photos and videos have been consented to and have not been altered in any way.